Russia media blast Rangnick as 'biggest fraud in country's football history'

Ralf Rangnick has faced a heavy backlash from Russian media after he left his role at Lokomotiv Moscow

The German left the Russian club when Manchester United came calling as they sought an interim boss.

Rangnick will take charge of his first game against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon and has signed a deal to remain with them for two years once the current campaign ends.

But back in eastern Europe, following his early exit, he has been labelled "the biggest fraud in Russian football history" after his short-lived tenure.

Rangnick made several decisions at Lokomotiv that have backfired and angered fans.

He clearly made those calls under the impression he would be involved with the club for longer than he was, but admitted himself that he couldn't turn down United's offer.

The German is being held responsible for rejigging a team that won the Russia Cup and finished third domestically last term.

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Now though they are someway off the pace having sold key midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak, despite the Poland international wanting to remain in Moscow.

Lokomotiv added Konstantin Maradishvili and Nair Tiknizyan from cross city rivals CSKA - with Rangnick's transfer policy coming in for major critique.

The German was also credited with having a negative influence in the dugout after Marko Nikolic left by mutual consent.

His style of play was in contrast to Rangnick's beliefs which eventually saw Markus Gisdol replace him.

Gisdol was largely seen as a man who would follow the script laid down by the 63-year-old, which has seen Lokomotiv's former president Nikolay Naumov take aim at the decision.

He said: "He is not a coach, but rather a secretary. Rangnick doesn't need someone like [Jose] Mourinho or [Roberto] Mancini, but rather a man who will follow his instructions.

"They came to the club with just one goal - to turn Lokomotiv into a business of buying and selling players.

"Results aren't important for them, and they need an anonymous coach who was willing to take a good salary and do what they say."

Rangnick already seems to be hinting at an extended stint in the United dugout.

He is currently set to see them through the current campaign before taking on a consultancy role, which involves helping appoint a new boss in the summer.

But he has suggested a promising period may urge them to reconsider.

He said: "I am, of course, fully aware they are looking for a new manager, maybe if they ask me, we will see.

"Maybe, if they ask me my opinion as you said and everything goes well and I help develop the team, I might make the same recommendation as I did at Leipzig twice and say to them for me to stay on and continue working with me!"